But the collection of plaid shirts circa 1992 is still cool, right?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 5:50AM Do you watch What Not To Wear? I'm sure you're aware of the concept. I kind of have a love-hate relationship with that show. For someone who doesn't watch much television, I watch a LOT of What Not To Wear.
Some of the shows, the ones where they turn schlumpy women into beautiful butterflies, I love. I mean, you can tell those women are gorgeous, but they just need to update their style, or their body has changed and they don't know what to do with it, or whatever. And they're a tiny bit resistant, because who wants to be told that you look like an asshat? And that you've been looking that way for the past 10 years, and people are laughing at you. But they mostly embrace the change and end up looking fabulous.
But some of them I feel so conflicted about. The ones with women who have an extreme style, who have hair down to their knees or dress entirely in sequins or wear fairy wings and a lot of glitter. They're often young women, and as far as I'm concerned, they can pull it off. They don't have to impress top executives or try not to embarass their kids. Why wouldn't you let their freak flag fly? Why is it so fucking important that they look like everybody else?
Even the message they bludgeon people with every time is conflicted. "Dress homogenously so we can see the real you. Express your unique personality, but only within these RULES." The rebellious teenager inside me wants to rise up and punch these people in the throat. Fuck you, Stacy and Clinton, I'm totally wearing a suede hippie jacket with highland dancing shoes and I'm going to look HOT.
The other part of me, though, the broke schlumpy 35-year-old who has no idea how to dress to flatter all these bulges, really wants them to show up on my doorstep.
(That part wins.)
(Stacy and Clinton? I'm waiting.)
(And I promise to let you throw out the highland dancing shoes.)
Reader Comments (30)
I've tried to put my flannel shirts in the donation pile...but I just can't let go of them! What if grunge comes back in style? Then I'll wish I had them! :)
I'll take those highland dancing shoes because at 50 years old I can now pull them off. People will think I've slip past individuality right into eccentric.
It really is a double standard. Some of the women seem more confident after the makeover, others seem a bit defeated. I do like it when the woman on the show rebels and does what she wants. Fight the power.
There's nothing like a flannel shirt in the winter. Sorry. LOL
I am so not giving up on my grunge era shirts or my sequined butterfly shirts. They are like SO HOT with my eighties zipper ankle jeans and bumpits.
PS I'll give you a makeover anytime you want. But I can't promise your look will be any different than when we started. Cuz I am quite so you are the ultimate in hotness, my beautiful Un-Mom.
Mwuah!!!
I wish they wouyld come for me too. All the style stuff goes mostly over my head, and really where would I wear some of the stuff they insist is necessary--jacket and nice pants for the grocery store? Still, there is that part of me that is jealous of the lucky victim each week.
Yeah, there are definitely times when at the end of the show I say to myself, "What a waste of 2 grand, she looked better before the makeover!" And I always feel bad when it's a kid who calls about their Mom. Who wants to know that their kids think they're frumpy?
I'll nominate you if you'll nominate me.
I like that show though I haven't seen it in ages. Clinton is actually comng to Cincinnati end of May for some Macy's fashion show thingy (I entered but damn it, I didn't win!). I think you kind of have to have some comfort zone along with fashion. I always fall back into buy it in every color there is mode everytime I see something.
I did a personal shopper thing at Norsdstroms last fall. It was the best thing EVER to help me see what really does look good on me. Even if you can only afford one or two things, the service is free (lots of other stores do it too, I know there's no Nordy's up there). The woman who 'dressed' me was spot on and I've slowly taken the advice she gave me and incorporated that when I need to buy new clothes.
Either way, if you buy something because its what you are supposed to wear but you aren't comfy in it, you'll never end up wearing.
So, be you.
I would be terrified if they showed up on my doorstep. I know that I have NO fashion sense at all. I just like to be comfortable, and I'm pretty sure that isn't fashionable.
Not that I ever watch the show, but do you notice that Stacy and Clinton never look that great? Whaddup?
Nothing hides bulges like a sarong made out of a freak flag!
I really need them here, think we could do a joint show? I mean seriously, 98% of my closet doesn't fit me....I am just hoping it will one day. But by the time that happens, they will be out of style. Damn
I dress stupid on purpose so that I can entice them to come and I can get a free shopping trip. Or I am just fashion-challenged. Either one.
I don't care how old I get, I'll still cling to my band t-shirts and black hoodies. I've spent the entirety of my life being un-cool - why start now ;-)
I have not seen the show in a while but when I have watched it I always have these thoughts:
1). Do you know how much more could be purchased if they were at TJ Maxx for cripes sake?
2). Have the hair stylist guy and the Carmindy make-up lady looked in the mirror lately at their own hair? Sheesh
I've never watched that show, but you made a good point. I usually dress for comfort. Who do I need to impress? My two year old? I don't think he cares how Mommy looks.
OMG, if I'd been drinking milk, I woulda snorted it everywhere. I wish they'd show up on my doorstep too, but I don't dress frumpily enough for it. [sigh] Really, I just want an excuse for someone else to shop for me and have my own personal assistant for three days. Yes!
I've been waiting for them to come visit me too. But they don't come to people who want them - what kind of good TV is that? Plus, I live waaaaaaaaay up in Canada; that probably clinches it that I'm doomed to dress in frumpy old mommy clothes forever.
Ah well, at least I'm comfortable.
I totally want them to come here just for a chance at a new wardrobe.
Yes, your plaid flannel is still cool as far as I'm concerned. Grunge is still in, baby.
I've only ever seen that show a few times and the outfits they picked out annoyed me to no end. Like really unpractical stuff that the people would NEVER wear after they're off the show. I dunno. I will dress you up in NYC. You'll be my little rag doll. M'kay? Sound creepy?
Hmm. I agree with you for the most part. But the ones who are letting their freak flags fly? Aren't they nominated because of some sort of conflict they're having within their lives? Like the girl who still wears ponytails, mary janes and knee socks and carries a lunchbox is now working as a lawyer? And like, that doesn't jive around the office...
I guess I watch this show too much too! :)
I always thought it would be fun to have them go through my wardrobe. I think!!??
Hugs
SueAnn
I'd love $5000 worth of new clothes. Yum!
I agree. They should rename the show "What to wear so you look like Stacy." And I hate how she says "empeer" waist instead of empire. Hellllllo.
ok I agree, most times I watch the show and think "oh great they made her look like Stacy" and if they're re-doing a guy (which is SO boring to me) he winds up coming out of the dressing room looking like a Middle American Clinton. But ANYWAY, I have to disagree with 1 thing...the girl with the fairy wings, EVERYWHERE? COME ON! That's just ridiculous!